D1 Arrive in Kashgar

 

Meals: None

 

Fly to Kashgar from Beijing, Chengdu, or another major city according to your travel arrangements. Upon arrival, meet your private guide and driver at the airport and transfer to your hotel.

 

Depending on your arrival time, you can take a short city tour in the afternoon or evening. Explore the lively streets of Kashgar and get your first impression of this historic Silk Road city and its distinctive Uyghur culture.

 

Stay overnight in Kashgar.

 

D2 Kashgar City Tour

 

Meals: Breakfast

 

Begin your Kashgar sightseeing with a visit to the Abakh Khoja Tomb, also known as the Fragrant Concubine Tomb. This historic mausoleum offers an introduction to the history, architecture, and cultural traditions of the local Uyghur people.

 

In the afternoon, visit the Kashgar Livestock Market, also known as the Cow and Goat Bazaar. Local farmers and traders gather here to buy and sell livestock, providing an interesting glimpse into traditional commerce and everyday life in southern Xinjiang.

 

Then return to the old city of Kashgar and visit the exterior grounds of Id Kah Mosque, one of the city’s most important Islamic landmarks. Admire its distinctive architecture before taking time to explore Kashgar Old City at your own pace.

 

Wander through the traditional lanes, browse local handicraft shops, and discover regional specialties and Muslim cuisine. The lively streets and traditional neighborhoods offer an excellent opportunity to experience the unique character of Kashgar.

 

Stay overnight in Kashgar.

 

D3 Kashgar – Tashkurgan

 

Distance: about 290 km | Driving time: about 5.5 hours

Meals: Breakfast

 

Today, travel from Kashgar to Tashkurgan across the spectacular Pamir Plateau, close to China’s border with Pakistan.

 

Although this is a relatively long driving day, the journey is filled with impressive mountain scenery. Along the way, stop at Baisha Lake, a beautiful high-altitude lake surrounded by striking white sand dunes. Enjoy the unusual contrast between the blue-green water and the pale desert landscape.

 

Continue through the Pamir mountains and enjoy magnificent views of Muztagh Ata (Muztagh Peak) and Karakul Lake. Snow-capped mountains, alpine grasslands, and the tranquil lake create a spectacular highland landscape.

 

Arrive in Tashkurgan in the late afternoon. Take a leisurely walk around this beautiful plateau town and experience the distinctive culture and traditions of the local Tajik people.

 

Stay overnight in Tashkurgan.

 

D4 Tashkurgan – Kashgar

 

Meals: Breakfast

 

Spend the morning exploring the beautiful landscapes around Tashkurgan. Enjoy the vast plateau grasslands, mountain valleys, and snow-capped peaks while experiencing the peaceful atmosphere of this remote highland region.

 

In the afternoon, begin your journey back to Kashgar.

 

Arrive in Kashgar later in the day and check in to your hotel.

 

Stay overnight in Kashgar.

 

D5 Kashgar – Hotan

 

Distance: about 500 km | Driving time: about 5.5 hours

Meals: Breakfast

 

Leave Kashgar in the morning and travel east toward Hotan, one of the historic oasis cities of southern Xinjiang and an important center of Uyghur culture.

 

The journey takes you along the southern edge of the vast Taklamakan Desert. Enjoy the changing scenery as fertile oasis landscapes gradually give way to the dry desert environment.

 

Arrive in Hotan in the late afternoon. Take a relaxing walk around the city to stretch your legs after the long drive. If time permits, visit the Hotan Museum to learn more about the history and archaeology of this ancient Silk Road region.

 

Stay overnight in Hotan.

 

D6 Hotan – Kuqa

 

Distance: about 583 km | Driving time: about 6 hours

Meals: Breakfast

 

Today, continue your overland journey from Hotan to Kuqa, traveling through the vast landscapes of the Taklamakan Desert.

 

The route takes you across the desert region and through areas of sparse vegetation, poplar trees, and oasis villages. Enjoy the dramatic contrast between the endless desert and the small settlements that have developed around precious water sources.

 

This long driving day offers a fascinating perspective on the scale and remoteness of the Taklamakan Desert, as well as the traditional oasis communities scattered across southern Xinjiang.

 

Arrive in Kuqa in the evening and check in to your hotel.

 

Stay overnight in Kuqa.

 

D7 Kuqa City Tour

 

Meals: Breakfast

 

Begin your Kuqa sightseeing with a visit to the Kuqa Palace, a historic residence associated with the rulers of the former Kuqa region. Explore its traditional architecture and learn about the history of this ancient oasis city.

 

Continue to the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, one of the most important Buddhist cave complexes along the ancient Silk Road. Admire the surviving murals and sculptures and learn about the development of Buddhism and the cultural exchanges that took place in this region.

 

In the afternoon, explore Kuqa Grand Canyon, a spectacular geological landscape featuring towering cliffs, deep valleys, and striking red rock formations. Enjoy the distinctive Danxia-like scenery and the dramatic natural landscape of southern Xinjiang.

 

Stay overnight in Kuqa.

 

D8 Kuqa – Urumqi

 

Meals: Breakfast

 

After breakfast, transfer to Kuqa Airport for your flight to Urumqi.

 

Upon arrival, your Southern Xinjiang tour ends, or you can continue your journey to another destination in Xinjiang or elsewhere in China.

 

Price Inclusions and Exclusions:

 

Our prices included:

1. Entrance tickets: The tickets of all the scenic spots listed above.

2. Guide. An English speaking guide will be provided, who will accompany you from the start of tour to end of tour.

3. Private Transfers during tour. Our guide and driver will pick-up you at your hotel on time and drop-off you after the tours. And an air-conditioned vehicle will be provided during the tour.

4. Hotel. Provide 7 nights’ hotel, 4 star level hotels. Every two people share one room.

5. Service Charge & Government Taxes.

6. 6lunches.

7. Insurance.  We provide a free insurance of accident and casualty for each traveler. The highest refund is RMB 300000.00. Detailed terms please view our contract with Ping An of China.  
8. Domestic flight

 

Our prices not included :

1. The tips to the driver and guide.

2. Your personal expenses.

3. Anything not mentioned.